THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS
"I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. And by common confession (beyond all question, NIV; without controversy, KJV) GREAT IS THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was  Vindicated in the Spirit, Beheld by angels, Proclaimed among the nations,  Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory" (1 Timothy 3:15-16)
Devotion 10 of 13

PREACHED UNTO THE GENTILES
     Here is a remarkable thing! Those who are alienated from God have a message of hope preached to them! Note, it is not the Jews who are referenced, but the Gentiles. It would not be unusual for the Jews to have the Gospel preached to them. After all, "the Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to the Jew first . . . " (Rom 1:16). Christ Jesus came primarily "unto His own," i.e., the Jews, and they "received Him not" (John 1:11). To a distraught woman Jesus said, "I am sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt 15:24). Preaching to the Jews, therefore, should not surprise us. However, our text states that God was "preached unto the Gentiles."

     What was preached to the Gentiles? The God that was "manifest in the flesh!" This is the God of purpose--"eternal purpose"! It is the God Who "sent the Son to be the Savior of the world" (1 John 4:14). The preached message proclaims that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son . . . " (John 3:16). The mighty God effectively addressed the human dilemma with zeal and eagerness. A message is announced that declares God can be found of them that "sought Him not"--the Gentiles! (Rom 10:20).

     Men have long underestimated the power of preaching, which is the announcement of something accomplished in the behalf of, and for, fallen humanity. Preaching is the proclamation of propitiation, the announcement of amnesty, and the report of reconciliation. Such preaching is "the power of God unto salvation" (Rom 1:16). It is the appointed means of delivering men from the power of darkness, and translating them into the Kingdom of God's dear Son (Col 1:13). God is "pleased" to save them that believe through "preaching" (1 Cor  1:21). Although the preaching of the cross is foolishness to them "that are  perishing," it is "the power of God" those that are being saved" (1 Cor 1:18). The preaching directed to the Gentiles exposed them to the good news of God! They were unworthy because they, like others, had "sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23)--yet, the message came to them anyway.

     How likely is it that Divine life could be made known to the Gentiles? Had they not been "given up" by God, to do those things that are "not convenient" (Rom 1:28ff)? Indeed so; yet, Divine mercy will be extended even to them! Those who did not seek will find. As it is written, "Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me" (Rom 10:20). That situation reveals the nature of godliness! It extends the word and mercy of God to the undeserving and fallen! That simply is what heavenly life does--not what it OUGHT to do! You see how salvation has been  extended as far as the curse! Praise to His name!

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the blessed name of Jesus Christ, I thank You that salvation has reached as far as the curse brought on by sin!

-- TOMORROW: BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD --